LARAMIE – Kaden Anderson has prepared to step into the spotlight as Wyoming's new starting quarterback.
 
The redshirt freshman will benefit from having running back Harrison Waylee making his season debut in the backfield against New Mexico on Saturday at University Stadium (2 p.m., truTV).
 
Anderson will also lean on his connection with true freshman wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. in Albuquerque.
 
During the Cowboys' 27-25 loss to Utah State, Durr had nine receptions for 83 yards while converting third downs with five of those catches.
 
"It felt great," Durr said of his breakout performance. "That's the moment I wanted, and I feel like I seized the moment every time. If they keep giving me opportunities I'm going to come through every time for them and make plays like I always do."
 
Anderson, who threw his first career touchdown pass to Durr at the end of the loss at Arizona State to open the season, was 15-for-24 passing for 182 yards while splitting series with Evan Svoboda against the Aggies.
 
On Monday, head coach Jay Sawvel informed each quarterback that Anderson would be making his first career start against the Lobos.
 
"Me and Kaden have that special connection we'll see from now on," Durr said of the news.
 
That connection between Anderson and Durr will be even more important with senior wide receiver Alex Brown suffering a career-ending injury and Tyler King being ruled out this week after taking a vicious hit against Utah State.
 
Durr's nine catches last week were the most for a Cowboy since Austin Conway had 11 receptions against Wofford in 2018 and matched Tanner Gentry (nine catches vs. New Mexico in 2009) for the most catches in a Mountain West game over the last 15 years.
 
"Chris is an important player for us," Sawvel said. "Obviously with the situation that we're in his role is going to have to increase. He knows how to play football. Kaden is pretty accurate. They do work well together."
 
Waylee, who is returning from a preseason knee injury and plans to play in UW's final four games before using his redshirt to return in 2025, rushed for 947 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games in 2023.
 
The Pokes finally have some of the productive depth at running back they were anticipating featuring in August. Sam Scott had a career-high 115 yards on only 11 carries against Utah State.
 
"That's going to be something special," Durr said of getting Waylee back this week and next season. "Harrison was a shocker to me last year when I came on a visit. I was like, wow, I can't wait to play with him. I can't wait to see him come back and get back after it."
 
Durr will start in the slot in place of King, who had 52 yards receiving and 77 yards rushing, including a 54-yard touchdown that gave UW a fourth-quarter lead against the Aggies.
 
Anderson plans to continue targeting No. 15 after developing an on-field chemistry with Durr during spring practice and fall camp.
 
"We have a really good connection, and I love that dude," Anderson said. "We've got really great chemistry, and I think the future here is bright for us. … He's got a little wiggle to him for sure. He makes plays, he's a playmaker.
 
"I think my job (against Utah State) was to get the ball to our playmakers. We've just got to execute better, but Chris is a great player."
 
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